WASHINGTON, D.C. – Christmas cheer is in our nation’s capital. This year’s Capitol Christmas tree, also known as the “People’s Tree”, comes from North Carolina.
Out on the National Mall stands this year’s Capitol Christmas tree. Pennsylvania was the first state to produce a Capitol Christmas tree in 1964. Since then, they’ve had four other trees as the Capitol Christmas tree. Michigan has also produced five Capitol Christmas trees over the years. Each year, the USDA Forest Service searches for a tree from a different national forest and in a different state than the previous year’s tree.
“The Capitol Christmas tree has brought Americans together by highlighting the beauty that comes from this country,” said Sen. Richard burr (R- NC). “From Six Rivers National Forest in California where last year’s tree came from, to the stunning national forest ins Pisgah North Carolina where this year’s tree arrived. We’re blessed with forests that are second to none.”
As you can see from it’s size, it’s no Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
“This tree also honors the ancestral people who were first custodians of the forest it came from,” said Randy Moore, Chief of the USDA Forest Service. “The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians helped bring this tree this year. It’s a reminder that we as people are diverse, that from diversity comes strength, strength as a people with common values and shared goals.”
Lawmakers said lighting the People’s Tree is significant in many ways.
“Our Capitol Christmas tree reminds us of the importance of working together, to be good stewards of our environment, so that future generations can enjoy the bounties of our forest and Christmases still to come,” said Sen. Burr.
